FREEZERS’ STRIKE

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 June 1922, Page 3

FREEZERS’ STRIKE

FREE LABOUR SUPPLY.

(Special to “Star”)

CHRISTCHURCH, June 24.

The rate at which stock are being dealt with at the various works in North Canterbury, is increasing daily, and several of the companies are not now requiring further men. It is stated by the companies that they are receiving bunches of letters and telegrams from men, following all sorts of occupations, and from all over the country offering their services. There is little doubt that many of the slaughtermen on strike are perturbed over the innovation by the companies of the one-man-one-cut system of dressing sheep and lambs, and several go so far as to admit, that it will make a great difference. Naturally there is evidence of a certain amount of bitterness being manifested by the strikers towards the men who are employed at the works. One case of a striker assaulting a free labour man is reported, but this appears to be the only outbreak of actual hostility. The police say that matters are very quiet in the vicinity of the works, much quieter indeed than one might expect.

A prominent strike official said to-day : “I can prove it is absolute rot to say the companies are finding free labour plentiful ; they are bringing to North Canterbury permanent hands from Picton, Imlay, Pukeuri and Smithfield. I am given to understand that these men were forced to come here or else sacrifice their positions. When the ferry steamer was about to sail with some of them from Wellington on Thursday night the seamen held a meeting and considered whether it would be right to bring them clown. They were doubtful whether it was right to travel with them or not. The seamen decided, however, that they wore not free labour but permanent hands.